ExpressVPN vs PIA 2026: Speed, Price & Streaming
ExpressVPN offers faster speeds and better global streaming access with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, while Private Internet Access (PIA) provides stronger privacy features, lower pricing at $2.03/month, and full open-source code transparency for security-conscious users.
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries and fast speeds.
Streaming enthusiasts, travelers needing broad geographic coverage, and users prioritizing speed over cost
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Budget-friendly VPN with massive server network and built-in privacy tools.
Privacy-first users, budget-conscious subscribers, and those who value open-source security audits over streaming performance
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN offers faster speeds and better global streaming access with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, while Private Internet Access (PIA) provides stronger privacy features, lower pricing at $2.03/month, and full open-source code transparency for security-conscious users.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ExpressVPN if you prioritize streaming performance, Netflix access in multiple regions, and fastest overall speeds for bandwidth-intensive activities. Choose Private Internet Access if you want maximum privacy transparency through open-source code, the lowest price point, and don't mind slightly slower speeds or reduced streaming access.
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Choose ExpressVPN if
Streaming enthusiasts, travelers needing broad geographic coverage, and users prioritizing speed over cost
Choose Private Internet Access (PIA) if
Best pickPrivacy-first users, budget-conscious subscribers, and those who value open-source security audits over streaming performance
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan):✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins($2.03/month vs $6.67/month)
- Server Count:✓ Private Internet Access (PIA) wins(35,000+ servers vs 3,000+ servers)
- Countries Covered:✓ ExpressVPN wins(105 countries vs 91 countries)
Key Facts & Figures
65 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 | |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | — | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | — | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 91% | — | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — | — |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 50+ Mbps | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries | 84 countries | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $12.95/month (billed monthly) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $6.67/month | $2.03/month | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $6.67 | $2.03 | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 105 | 91 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 92 Mbps | 720 Mbps | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | 71% | |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 92% | 85% | |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 devices | |
| Supported VPN Protocols(count) | 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $99.95 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650 servers | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 105 | 84 | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10 | |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 35,000+ | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67 | $2.03 | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650+ | |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 15+ regions | 8 regions | |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $240.12 | $72.76 | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD/month) | $11.99/month | $11.99/month | |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 8-10% | 8-10% | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | 3,400+ | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | 84 countries | |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (Deloitte) | Annual (Deloitte) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | 18% slower (OpenVPN) | |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) | |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,355 | 3,355 | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 84 | 84 | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | 4.6 | |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $2.03/month | $2.03/month | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 29,650+ | 29,650+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $6.67/monthMonthly Price (Annual Plan)$2.03/month(winner)
- 3,000+ serversServer Count35,000+ servers(winner)
- 105 countries(winner)Countries Covered91 countries
- 89 Mbps(winner)Average Download Speed76 Mbps
- Partial audit onlyCode Transparency (Open Source)100% open source(winner)
- 94%(winner)Netflix Unblocking Success Rate71%
- Yes (automatic)Kill Switch FeatureYes (automatic)
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan)
ExpressVPN
$6.67/month
Private Internet Access (PIA)
$2.03/month(winner)
- Server Count
ExpressVPN
3,000+ servers
Private Internet Access (PIA)
35,000+ servers(winner)
- Countries Covered
ExpressVPN
105 countries(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
91 countries
- Average Download Speed
ExpressVPN
89 Mbps(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
76 Mbps
- Code Transparency (Open Source)
ExpressVPN
Partial audit only
Private Internet Access (PIA)
100% open source(winner)
- Netflix Unblocking Success Rate
ExpressVPN
94%(winner)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
71%
- Kill Switch Feature
ExpressVPN
Yes (automatic)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Yes (automatic)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access (PIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | — |
Show 8 more attributesDownload Speed(Mbps) 898 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 91% — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 50+ Mbps — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 92 Mbps 720 Mbps Average Speed Retention(%) 92% 85% Countries Covered(countries) 105 84 Speed Loss (Average)(percent) 8-10% — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 18% slower (OpenVPN) — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 105(winner) | 91 |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 35,000+(winner) |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94%(winner) | 71% |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — |
Show 2 more attributesNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 15+ regions 8 regions Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) 62% success rate (tested 13 regions) — | ||
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Full support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | 10(winner) |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — |
| Router VPN Support | Native support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — |
Show 4 more attributesMaximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 8 devices 10 devices Supported VPN Protocols(count) 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) — Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 8 devices 10 Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | Lightway (Proprietary) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | — |
| Encryption Standard | 256-bit AES Military-Grade | — |
Show 8 more attributesMulti-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) AES-256-GCM Code Transparency (Open Source) Proprietary/Closed — Encryption Protocol AES-256-GCM — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (Deloitte) — Kill Switch Protection Yes — Recent Independent Security Audit Cure53 (2023), Deloitte (2022) — | ||
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries(winner) | 84 countries |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650 servers(winner) |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | 29,650+(winner) |
Show 3 more attributesTotal VPN Servers(servers) 3,355 — Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 84 — Number of Servers(servers) 29,650+ — | ||
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — |
| Free Version | Not available | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — |
Show 14 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $12.95/month (billed monthly) — Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $6.67/month $2.03/month Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $6.67 $2.03 Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Cost(USD) $99.95 — Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) None — Monthly Cost(USD) $12.95 — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67 $2.03 Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $240.12 $72.76 Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $2.03/month — Monthly Plan Price(USD/month) $11.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Subscription Price(USD) $2.03/month — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $2.03/month — | ||
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Login Requirement for Access | Mandatory (email-based) | — |
| Log Retention Policy | No-logs policy verified by audit 2024 | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 91 countries | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | 100% open-source | — |
| Open-Source Client | Yes (GitHub available) | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2020) + Court-verified | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 3,400+ | — |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 84 countries | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.6 | — |
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
ExpressVPN
Pros
- Fastest average download speeds at 89 Mbps across server locations
- 94% success rate unblocking Netflix and other streaming services
- 3,000+ servers across 105 countries including rare locations
- 256-bit AES encryption with automatic kill switch
- 30-day money-back guarantee with 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- More expensive at $6.67/month on annual plan (3.3x more than PIA)
- Limited code transparency—only third-party audited, not fully open source
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Pros
- Lowest price at $2.03/month on 3-year plan (69% cheaper than ExpressVPN)
- 100% open-source code verified by independent security auditors
- 35,000+ servers across 91 countries for redundancy and flexibility
- MACE ad-blocker feature included standard with all plans
- No bandwidth limits and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Slower average speeds at 76 Mbps (14.6% slower than ExpressVPN)
- Only 71% Netflix unblocking success rate, unreliable for streaming
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
ExpressVPN allows 5 simultaneous connections, while Private Internet Access allows 10. If you have multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.), PIA is more practical without paying for additional subscriptions or managing connection limits.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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